The only wild mushroom that I feel 100% confident in foraging and eating is the shaggy mane (Coprinus comatus) When I was growing up my dad would often take me with him when he went "mushroom hunting" in the fall. The "Shaggies" were easy to spot and unmistakable in their identification.
They usually grow in groups of several, often all different in size, but having the same oval shape, white colour and "shaggy" appearance. Sometimes we would find them too late and turning black and inedible.
At our present home, we are lucky to have a patch of shaggies that appear each fall in the front yard. This year was no exception.
These mushrooms have a very short shelf life and are best eaten soon after harvest. These were cleaned and slightly fried to be enjoyed with breakfast. The flavour is very fine and nothing like the mushrooms you find in the grocery store.
I would really like to expand my knowledge of foraging edible mushrooms. Thanks for upvoting! 😀
I'd love to learn to forage mushrooms. I know the odd one or two but am to scared to eat them after picking them.
My Dad used to take me when we were younger- I always remember him picking field mushrooms and me telling him " No Dad you can't eat wild mushrooms you'll get ill!"
There are so many edible mushrooms. I think I could identify chanterelles too, but not certain. I should get a good field guide, but I would still not trust myself. Maybe I need a human guide!
Ooo they were discussing one on countryfile I think it was Geoff Dann Edible Mushrooms- A foragers guide to wild fungi of britian and Europe
Thanks but that would not help me much as I live in Eastern Canada! 😀
Ahhhh yeah slight problem there!
I love foraging for these mushrooms! I guess that they used to be used as a source of ink, because of how quickly they can turn into a dark black puddle.
There is another one in the same family called "inkys" that is nearly black. My dad picked those too.
wonderful information, thanks again for sharing this - many of us who didn't "grow up foraging" are lost without peeps giving advice and such... thanks again!
I may not know much, but always happy to share what I do know! 😉
Very informative. Thank you for sharing. Only question I can think of, as someone wanting to expand their knowledge about this stuff..
Are there specific areas these grow or is it something that can be found all over?
I know they grow in the northeast part of Canada and the US. Elsewhere I am not sure.
Oh I didn't know you could eat these. There are always a few growing in the camping area of our farm. I'll look out for them next year with anticipation.
They are quite unmistakable, but please do your own reseach too. I only wish their season was longer as they are delicious!
I shall. I picked some field mushrooms many years ago and was violently ill - it put me off foraging for a while! But these are definitely what I have - very obvious. Nice to have a use for them.
Well then you are in for a treat and lucky to have them growing nearby. My mom used to make a cream sauce with them....sooo good!
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